News Releases, Media Advisories
For Immediate Release: Contact: Kelly Huff April 9, 1999 Ron Harris Sharon Snyder Ian Stirton
FEC RELEASES FOUR COMPLIANCE CASES
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Election Commission has made public its final action on four matters previously under review (MURs). This release contains only summary information. Closed files should be thoroughly read for details, including the FECs legal analysis of the case. (Please see footnote at the end of this release.) Closed MUR files are available in the Public Records Office.
1. MUR 4686
RESPONDENTS: (a) New York State AFL-CIO, Edward J. Cleary, President (NY)
(b) Eric Vitaliano for Congress, Judith C. Bello, treasurer (NY)
COMPLAINANTS: Ted Maness, Executive Director, National Republican Congressional Committee (DC)
SUBJECT: Union contributions
DISPOSITION: (a) Reason to believe, but took no further action*
(re: endorsement of candidate on internet site)
No reason to believe*
(re: mailings endorsing candidate)
(b) No reason to believe*
2. MUR 4716
RESPONDENTS: Dick Lane for Congress Committee, Dick Lane, treasurer (CA)
COMPLAINANT: FEC Initiated (RAD)
SUBJECT: Failure to file disclosure reports timely
DISPOSITION: Conciliation Agreement: $ 750 civil penalty*
3. MUR 4791
RESPONDENTS: Ryan for Congress, Larry E. Everhart, treasurer (WI)
COMPLAINANT: Elizabeth A. Erven (WI)
SUBJECT: Disclaimer
DISPOSITION: Reason to believe, but took no further action*
Sent admonishment letter.
4. MUR 4828
RESPONDENTS: Friends of Baron Hill, William C. Cochran, treasurer (IN)
COMPLAINANT: Ted Maness III, Executive Director, National Republican Congressional Committee (DC)
SUBJECT: Disclaimer
DISPOSITION: No reason to believe*
*There are four administrative stages to the FEC enforcement process:
1. Receipt of proper complaint 3. "Probable cause" stage
2. "Reason to believe" stage 4. Conciliation stage
It requires the votes of at least four of the six Commissioners to take any action. The FEC can close a case at any point after reviewing a complaint. If a violation is found and conciliation cannot be reached, then the FEC can institute a civil court action against a respondent.
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